19 Best Mental Health Podcasts
We’ve all had those headphone-hugged days when life feels like a soap opera.
But what if your secret playlist had the potential to quieten your mind’s chatter?
Well, it’s time to switch your Spotify from Swift to solace, as we reveal the 19 best mental health podcasts.
From psychiatrists who make Freud sound like a standup comedian, to inspiring survivors narrating tales as captivating as Netflix originals – these are sonic hugs for the soul, promising comfort, guidance, and insights on demand.
Curious? Ready to fill your ears with wisdom, laughter, and perhaps even a few tears? Tune into our top picks and join millions using podcasts as their favorite mental health toolkit. Keep reading; your perfect audio therapist is just a scroll away.
1: The Anxiety Coaches Podcast
Best for Learning Coping Strategies for Anxiety
The Anxiety Coaches Podcast is perfect for those who want to learn more about coping strategies for anxiety and panic attacks. Anxiety coach Gina Ryan shares her own experiences, as well as evidence-based practices and helpful insights from mental health professionals.
What I like: With over 600 episodes, this podcast offers practical advice for managing anxiety in everyday life.
2: Griefcast
Best for Coping with Grief and Loss
Griefcast is a podcast dedicated to exploring the complex emotions and experiences surrounding grief and loss.
Hosted by comedian and writer Cariad Lloyd, the show features open, honest conversations with fellow comedians and public figures who have experienced the loss of a loved one.
What I like: The podcast combines heartfelt conversations with humor, making it a comforting and relatable resource for those dealing with grief.
3: The Happiness Lab
Best for Understanding the Science of Happiness
Dive into the science of happiness with The Happiness Lab. Hosted by behavioral scientist Dr. Laurie Santos, this weekly podcast explores the latest scientific research on happiness and provides actionable advice for improving your emotional well-being.
What I like: The podcast combines engaging storytelling with evidence-based research, making complex concepts easily digestible.
4: This Changes Everything
Best for Relatable Conversations and Humor on Life and Mental Health
This Changes Everything is a new podcast that delves into the everyday struggles and challenges of life. MTV Challenge star Sarah Rice, and TikTok sensation Jeff Guenther use their, wit, irreverence, and self-disclosure to explore topics like relationships, mental health, family, happiness, and sex.
With engaging conversations and relatable experiences, this podcast might just change your perspective on life’s ups and downs.
What I like: The podcast is both entertaining and informative, providing listeners with a mix of humor, empathy, and expert advice. It can help you let go of toxic beliefs, make the seemingly impossible feel more doable, or simply offer a good laugh on a bad day.
5: Therapy for Black Girls
Best for Black Women Seeking Mental Health Support
Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed psychologist, created Therapy for Black Girls to provide a safe space for Black women to discuss mental health topics. The podcast covers a wide range of subjects, from self-care and maintaining friendships to dealing with trauma and substance abuse.
What I like: The podcast’s focus on the unique experiences of black women fills a significant gap in mental health resources.
6: Terrible, Thanks for Asking
Best for Honest Conversations about Pain, Humor, and Humanity
Terrible, Thanks for Asking is a podcast that dives into the authentic, raw, and sometimes funny stories of real people going through tough times.
Host Nora McInerny invites guests to share their experiences with grief, loss, trauma, and mental health challenges, offering a refreshing dose of honesty and vulnerability.
What I like: The podcast combines engaging storytelling with evidence-based research, making complex concepts easily digestible.
7: The Mental Illness Happy Hour
Best for Candid Conversations about Mental Health
The Mental Illness Happy Hour is a weekly podcast hosted by comedian Paul Gilmartin.
Featuring interviews with mental health professionals, artists, and everyday people, this podcast delves into the complexities of mental illness, emotional and mental wellness, and personal development.
What I like: The show’s raw, honest conversations about mental health help break down stigma and encourage open discussions.
8: Where Should We Begin?
Best for Candid Conversations about Mental Health
Where Should We Begin? is a unique mental health podcast hosted by renowned relationship therapist Esther Perel.
Each episode features a real, unscripted therapy session between Perel and a couple, providing a rare glimpse into the therapeutic process.
What I like: The podcast offers an intimate look at the challenges couples face in their relationships, making it an excellent resource for understanding communication, intimacy, and trust issues.
8: Depresh Mode
Best for Conversations on Mental Health and Humor
Depresh Mode is a podcast that explores mental health issues with humor and honesty.
Hosted by comedian and writer John Moe, this podcast features engaging interviews with celebrities, mental health professionals, and everyday people, discussing their experiences and offering insights into mental health.
If you’ve heard John’s name before, that’s probably because he used to host The Hilarious World of Depression.
What I like: The podcast combines humor and vulnerability to create engaging conversations, helping to destigmatize mental health issues.
9: 10% Happier with Dan Harris
Best for Meditation and Mindfulness
10% Happier with Dan Harris is a podcast that explores the intersection of meditation, mindfulness, and mental health.
Hosted by ABC News anchor Dan Harris, who has experienced his own struggles with anxiety and panic attacks, this podcast offers practical tips on meditation and mindfulness for everyday life.
What I like: The podcast features interviews with meditation teachers, mental health experts, and even celebrities who share their personal experiences with meditation and mindfulness, providing a good range of perspectives and insights.
10: The One You Feed
Best for Personal Growth and Mindfulness
The One You Feed is a podcast that explores personal development, mindfulness emotional wellness, and mental health through interviews with authors, psychologists, and thought leaders.
Host Eric Zimmer delves into topics like overcoming fear, building resilience, and cultivating self-awareness.
What I like: The podcast offers a diverse range of perspectives on mental health and personal growth, providing valuable insights for self-improvement.
11: Happier With Gretchen Rubin
Best for Personal Growth and Mindfulness
Happier with Gretchen Rubin is a popular podcast hosted by bestselling author Gretchen Rubin and her sister Elizabeth Craft.
The show offers practical advice and tips for creating a happier, more fulfilling life by developing good habits and understanding what brings us joy.
What I like: The podcast is full of practical, actionable advice for improving happiness and well-being. The chemistry between the hosts adds a fun and engaging dynamic to the show.
12: Tara Brach Podcast
Best for Mindfulness, Meditation, and Spiritual Growth
The Tara Brach Podcast is an excellent resource for those interested in mindfulness, meditation, and spiritual growth.
Tara Brach, a psychologist, author, and meditation teacher, shares her wisdom through guided meditations, insightful talks, and interviews on various mental health and personal development topics.
What I like: The podcast offers a calming, nurturing approach to mental health and self-improvement, with a focus on mindfulness and self-compassion.
13: Not Another Anxiety Show
Best for Personal Growth and Mindfulness
Not Another Anxiety Show is a mental health podcast that tackles the complex world of anxiety with humor, empathy, and practical advice.
Hosted by Kelli Walker, a registered nurse, and certified health and wellness coach, this podcast provides support for those dealing with anxiety and related mental health issues.
What I like: Kelli Walker shares her own experiences with anxiety and invites mental health professionals and guests to provide a wide range of valuable insights and coping strategies.
14: The Overwhelmed Brain
Best for Practical Tips for Emotional Health
The Overwhelmed Brain is a personal growth podcast that focuses on positive psychology, providing practical tips for emotional health and well-being.
Host Paul Colaianni discusses topics such as setting boundaries, using positive thinking, managing stress, and dealing with toxic relationships.
What I like: The podcast offers actionable advice and tools for managing a wide range of emotional challenges.
14: The OCD Stories
Best for: Support and Education on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
The OCD Stories is a podcast dedicated to sharing real-life stories of people living with obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Host Stuart Ralph also interviews mental health professionals and experts on various aspects of OCD, offering practical tips and coping strategies.
What I like: The podcast raises awareness about OCD and provides support for those affected by the condition.
16: The Trauma Therapist
Best for: Understanding Trauma and Healing
The Trauma Therapist is a podcast hosted by licensed therapist Guy Macpherson PhD.
The show features interviews with mental health professionals, trauma survivors, and advocates, discussing various aspects of trauma, healing, and recovery.
What I like: The podcast provides valuable insights into trauma-related issues and offers hope for healing and growth.
17: The Hilarious World of Depression
Best for Finding Humor in Mental Health Struggles
If you’re looking for a podcast that combines humor with important discussions about mental health conditions and illness, look no further than The Hilarious World of Depression. Host John Moe interviews comedians, actors, and other public figures who open up about their own struggles with mental health.
Sadly the show came to an end in June 2020 so once you’ve heard them all, that’s your lot.
What I like: The podcast’s humorous approach helps destigmatize them and makes difficult topics easier to discuss.
18: Dear Therapists
Best for Practical Advice and Empathy from Therapists
Dear Therapists Podcast offers a unique approach to discussing mental health, as it is hosted by two licensed therapists, Lori Gottlieb, and Guy Winch.
The podcast invites listeners to submit their questions and concerns, which are then addressed in a compassionate, insightful, and practical manner.
What I like: The podcast features real-life scenarios, making it easy for listeners to relate to the topics discussed. Lori and Guy offer not only their professional perspectives but also share their own experiences, which adds a personal touch to the show.
19: All in the Mind
Best for Practical Advice and Empathy from Therapists
All in the Mind is a podcast that delves into the complexities of the human mind, brain, and behavior. If you live hearing about new studies, this podcast is for you.
Produced by Australia’s ABC Radio National, host Lynne Malcolm brings interviews with psychologists, neuroscientists, and other experts to explore topics such as memory, emotions, mental health, and the effects of technology on our brains.
What I like: All in the Mind covers a diverse range of topics, making it an excellent resource for expanding your knowledge about the human mind and mental health. The podcast also provides a global perspective, often featuring experts and stories from around the world.
6 Benefits of Podcasts for Mental Health
Podcasts have become an increasingly popular medium for sharing information, stories, and advice on a wide range of topics.
They offer several benefits for those looking to improve their mental or gain a better understanding of mental health issues. Here are some of the key advantages of mental health podcasts:
1. Accessibility and Convenience
One of the main benefits of podcasts is their accessibility. With the vast array of podcast platforms available, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts, listeners can easily access content from virtually anywhere, at any time.
This convenience allows individuals to engage with the topics during their daily routines, such as commuting, exercising, or taking a break at work.
2. Reducing Stigma
Podcasts help to break down the stigma by openly discussing various concerns and sharing personal experiences. This openness encourages listeners to recognize that mental health struggles are a common part of the human experience and that seeking help is both normal and essential.
3. Education and Awareness
Podcasts offer a wealth of information on mental health topics, ranging from specific conditions like anxiety and depression to broader themes such as self-care and personal growth.
By listening to podcasts, individuals can learn more about the signs, symptoms, and treatments for various conditions and concerns, as well as gain insights into how to maintain and improve their emotional well-being.
4. Support and Connection
Many podcasts feature interviews with mental health experts, personal stories, and listener questions, fostering a sense of connection and support among listeners.
This sense of community can be particularly helpful for those who feel isolated due to their challenges, as it allows them to connect with others who have similar experiences and understand their struggles.
5. Coping Strategies and Resources
Podcasts often provide practical tips and coping strategies to help listeners manage their challenges more effectively. By learning about different techniques and resources, listeners can develop a toolkit of strategies to better navigate their mental health journey.
6. Encouragement and Inspiration
Listening to podcasts can be an uplifting and inspiring experience, as they often feature stories of resilience, healing, and personal growth.
These inspiring stories can provide hope and encouragement for listeners who are facing their own challenges, reminding them that recovery is possible and that they are not alone.
The Takeaway
These are just a few of the top mental health podcasts available today. Whether you’re looking for humor, scientific research, or personal stories, there’s a podcast out there that can provide comfort and support during difficult times.
So, the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider tuning into one of these podcasts for a dose of encouragement and inspiration.
Remember, it’s essential to prioritize your mental health and seek professional help when needed. Podcasts are fantastic resources, but they should never replace the guidance of a mental health professional.
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